Baba is Okay: Ida Odinga Reassures Kenyans About Raila Odinga’s Health
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, has moved to calm growing speculation about her husband’s health, assuring Kenyans that “Baba is okay.”
Ida Odinga Confirms Raila is Resting Abroad
Speaking in Migori County on Tuesday, Ida clarified that Raila Odinga had travelled abroad simply to rest after a busy political season. She dismissed social media rumours claiming the ODM leader was unwell, calling them baseless and misleading.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumours claiming Raila is sick. If his condition were truly serious, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori,” Ida said.
She further questioned how individuals who do not live with the former Prime Minister could claim to know more about his health than she does.
“He is fine, he is just resting abroad. How can someone who does not live with him claim to know his health status, while I, who stays with him, am unaware of any issues? Baba is okay,” she added.
Ida also conveyed Raila’s greetings to Kenyans and said he would return home soon.
ODM Officials Echo Ida’s Reassurance
Her remarks came shortly before ODM Communications Director Philip Etale issued a similar statement confirming that Raila Odinga was healthy and in good spirits.
Etale said he had personally spoken to the opposition leader, who described the circulating claims as online propaganda.
“I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy,” Etale said.
According to him, Raila urged Kenyans to pray for those spreading falsehoods instead of fueling unnecessary panic.
“I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online. Let’s keep praying for them,” Raila reportedly told Etale.
Etale added that the ODM leader sent warm greetings to Kenyans and confirmed that he would be back in the country “in a few days.”
Political Calm Amid Speculation
Raila’s brief absence had sparked widespread debate on social media, with some claiming he had left the country for treatment. However, the latest confirmations from Ida and ODM officials appear to have quelled those rumours.
The reassurance also comes at a time when the Azimio la Umoja leader has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on rest after a period of intense political activity.
